Regional Category Leader, Customer Equipment - Remote

CS Recruiting; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CS Recruiting is representing a leading global water and hygiene solutions provider seeking a Regional Category Leader for Customer Equipment. This remote, full-time role focuses on building and executing regional category strategy, in alignment with the global program, to support growth and drive value across the supply base.

You will lead supplier negotiations, manage key partnerships, collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Operations, Quality teams, and guide regional sourcing through RFPs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 7+ years procurement/sourcing experience with 4+ years in regional category leadership.
• Experience in chemicals or industrial equipment sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive regional category strategy in conjunction with the global strategy for customer equipment that aligns with corporate goals and supports growth.
• Lead regional strategy development, including segmentation, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, market intelligence, and supplier landscape assessment.
• Drive measurable category KPIs, ensuring performance tracking and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key suppliers of customer equipment.
• Drive robust commercial negotiations, develop long-term agreements, and ensure contractual compliance and performance.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers based on safety standards, quality, capability, and innovation.
• Partner with Engineering, Technical Services, Sales, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams to ensure equipment solutions meet customer requirements and internal standards.
• Act as the primary interface between Procurement and internal stakeholders for category requirements, project support, and execution.
• Lead regional sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, RFQs, bid analysis, and award recommendations.
• Implement category sourcing plans that balance regional leverage with local execution where necessary.
• Support business units in resolving supply, delivery, and quality issues related to equipment.
• Manage supply risk through diversification, contingency planning, and robust supplier performance metrics.
• Ensure supplier and equipment compliance with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and internal policies.
• Promote and embed sustainability criteria in sourcing decisions.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value capture through strategic sourcing, standardization, and process improvements.
• Benchmark category spend and pricing to drive best-in-class commercial outcomes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop regional sourcing professionals.
• Champion a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and results.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Negotiation

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Data analytics

Communication

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Engineering/Business

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

CS Recruiting is representing a leading global water and hygiene solutions provider seeking a Regional Category Leader for Customer Equipment. This remote, full-time role focuses on building and executing regional category strategy, in alignment with the global program, to support growth and drive value across the supply base.

You will lead supplier negotiations, manage key partnerships, collaborate with Engineering, Sales, Operations, Quality teams, and guide regional sourcing through RFPs and